How to Land a Job After Being Fired

Losing your job can make it tough to regain your confidence, let alone think about starting your job search again. Give yourself time to process the situation and reflect on the reasons behind your firing. But don't delay your job hunt for too long. Update your resume, reach out to your network for support and leads, and when you're invited to an interview, be honest about the circumstances of your firing, focusing on what you’ve learned from the experience. You'll bounce back before you know it!

Avoid speaking negatively about your previous employer or boss. No matter how you feel about the way you were let go, steer clear of criticizing your former company or supervisor during an interview. Doing so can leave a bad impression and make the interviewer question your attitude. If asked about your former boss or workplace, you can diplomatically say something like, "The company and I weren’t a perfect match, as it didn’t offer the challenges I thrive on." Or, "My boss is highly skilled, but our personalities didn’t align well."

Avoid using the word “fired.” While it's important to be truthful, you don’t have to be overly direct. Instead, you can say something like, “my company underwent downsizing” or “my role was eliminated.”

Keep it brief and move forward. If it’s clear to the interviewer that your firing was for a specific reason beyond downsizing, keep your explanation short and to the point.

• For example, you might say, “I realized I need to be more selective about the companies I apply to, ensuring that their values align with mine. I see that your company’s dedication to social justice resonates with my own passion, demonstrated through my work with the ACLU.”

Own your part in the situation. Interviewers tend to appreciate it when you take responsibility for your firing. This doesn’t mean you need to accept blame if you weren't at fault, but acknowledging that the role may not have been the right fit or that relationships with colleagues or supervisors weren't ideal can show maturity.

• For instance, you might say, “As you can see from my resume, being let go is not something I typically experience. The reality is, my boss and I didn’t have a good working relationship, and the role wasn’t the best fit. However, I learned a lot and my references will confirm that I was a dedicated and valuable team member.”

Revise your resume. Even if you were let go, you likely gained new skills or experiences in your previous job. Updating your resume with these accomplishments can help reframe your last position as a positive career milestone, helping you move on from the negative emotions tied to being fired.

Leverage your professional network. You likely have a strong network of contacts, whether personally or through platforms like LinkedIn. Reach out for recommendations or references. After taking some time to reflect on your ideal next role, tap into your network for help finding opportunities.

• For example, you could send a brief email like: “Hi Steve, I’m looking for my next career move and would love to transition into sales rather than marketing. With your extensive sales experience, I’d appreciate any guidance or direction you can provide!”

Keep your reference requests brief and clear. A simple message like “Dear Kim, I’m applying for a new position at XYZ Management, and I was hoping you’d be willing to write a reference letter for me based on our work together.” Be sure to specify where the letter should go, who it should be addressed to, and the deadline for submission.

Get back to searching as soon as possible. While it’s important to take some time to process being let go, don’t wait too long to dive back into the job market. Not only will this help you avoid significant gaps on your resume, but it can also give you a sense of control and purpose over your career.

Investigate potential employers. After being fired, it may feel like a race to send your resume everywhere. While time may feel urgent, take some time to research companies in your field before you apply. This approach ensures you’re applying strategically and makes sense, especially if you've been with one employer for a long time.

Process your emotions. Losing a job can be devastating, and talking to close friends or family can help ease the emotional burden. It’s natural to feel sad, angry, or even embarrassed – sometimes all at once. Acknowledge these feelings, but don’t hold onto them for too long. Allow yourself to move forward.

Get involved through volunteering. Volunteering with organizations in your field can fill the gap in your resume while keeping you connected to your industry. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you’re passionate about your work, even when it’s not for pay.

• Volunteering is also an excellent opportunity to develop skills that might be missing in your professional experience, boosting both your resume and your chances of landing a new job.

Reflect on the situation. Take some time to consider the reasons your previous employer gave for letting you go. Are they areas you can improve on, or were they beyond your control? Then evaluate whether this experience has shifted your career aspirations or interests. Losing a job can be an opportunity to reassess your career path and decide what you want to do next.

Remember, you’re not alone. Many people have been fired, including those who are exceptional at their jobs. Getting fired doesn’t make you a failure – it simply means that the fit wasn’t right for that particular role or company.

• Never lie about being fired or the reasons behind it if asked during an interview. While you can minimize the fact that you were let go, it's always best to be honest if the topic comes up directly.